NEW JERSEY — New Jersey officials are allowing farmers to conduct controlled open burns and use smudge pots to protect crops as colder temperatures move into the region.
The Department of Environmental Protection approved a request from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture to permit the measures from April 18 through April 22, citing forecasts calling for temperatures to drop into the 30s or lower.
Officials said the move is intended to protect flowering crops that are vulnerable to frost damage following recent warm weather, which can significantly impact yields of fruits and vegetables.
The DEP and Department of Agriculture are allowing these steps to protect farmers’ livelihoods and ensure an adequate supply of New Jersey-grown produce later this year.
Farmers planning to use open burning or smudge pots must notify the DEP’s 24-hour Communications Center at 1-877-WARNDEP (1-877-927-6337). If advance notice is not provided, farmers must contact the agency by 9 a.m. the following day.
Officials said the notification process helps ensure proper procedures are followed and requires farmers to provide details including location, expected weather conditions, duration of use and materials being burned.
Open burning is limited to clean, untreated materials such as scrap lumber, felled trees, pruned clippings and firewood. The use of refuse, tires or garbage is strictly prohibited. Smudge pots must be fueled with kerosene or No. 2 fuel oil.
State officials also cautioned against using open burning in high winds. Open burning is prohibited when wind speeds exceed 5 mph due to increased wildfire risk, and farmers are encouraged to use smudge pots instead under such conditions.
Within two days of using either method, farmers must submit additional information to the DEP, including temperature and wind conditions at the time of use and confirmation that all guidelines were followed.
Officials said the temporary allowance is intended to help farmers safeguard crops during a period of potentially damaging cold weather while maintaining safety and environmental protections.
